Esotericism and Remembrance Day: The Missing Pieces
As communities across the world hold events in remembrance of the liberation of the massive factory and murder complex known…
Preserving the Living Traditions of Western Esotericism
Mark Stavish, Founder & Director of Studies
Beginning in March 1998 as the Wyoming Valley Society for Esoteric Studies, a local study group in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The group attracted members from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland, and Virginia, who commuted twice monthly for lectures and rituals.
As a result of this growth, the Society established a dedicated temple and hosted weekly lectures, regular seminars, and workshops with guest speakers. The Society shuttered the temple and renamed itself the Institute for Hermetic Studies in July 2001 to reflect the radical shift in mission and scope as well as its widening influence.
Since then, IHS has contributed to the culture of Western esotericism by:
- Publishing books and articles on hermetic and esoteric subjects in 6 languages as well as a variety of articles.
- Hosting seminars and an annual conference.
- Producing high-quality courses.
- Supplying experts for appearances on television, radio, and podcasts.
- Administering a prison outreach program teaching esoteric principles and practices to inmates.
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Featured Courses
Weekly Live Q&A with Mark Stavish, IHS Director of Studies
Join us twice a month for this live, interactive class. In each class, Stavish teaches a continuous, long-form curriculum, then opens the floor for discussion as well as answering questions about all things hermetic and esoteric.
Classical Astrology in Western Esoteric Tradition with Jamie Paul Lamb
In this course, you will learn the philosophy, history and magical applications of astrology while exploring the art’s theory and practice. Key principles will be explored and situated within the context of Western Esotericism. This course takes a comprehensive look at the doctrines underlying Hellenistic, Medieval, Renaissance and Modern astrology and culminates in the “Big Operation” by which the native’s (the subject of a nativity or birth chart) personal daimon is discovered. This course is appropriate for all levels.
Brauche: Gateway to Magic with Mark Stavish
Join IHS Director of Studies, Mark Stavish, for this complete overview of the theories, methods, and practices of traditional Pennsylvania German folk magic. He will draw connections and comparisons between this folk practice and Classical, Medieval, Renaissance magic, and other traditions where applicable.
This is an ideal course for those seeking a firm foundation in Western esotericism and the practices of alchemy, astrology, energy healing, and ritual symbolism.
Selections from our Library
Books by Mark Stavish, IHS Director of Studies
The Magical World of Dr. Joseph Lisiewski
Few figures in modern occultism have garnered as much admiration – and vitriol – as Dr. Joseph Charles Lisiewski. Born in the coal mining regions of central Pennsylvania, Lisiewski became involved with two of the greatest occultists of the twentieth century – Israel Regardie and Frater Albertus.
Stavish, having worked with Lisiewski, tells the story of a decade-long friendship, the magical and alchemical projects they worked on together, the truth behind Lisiewski’s academic claims, and details of the final ritual Stavish performed for Lisiewski: an exorcism for a ritual gone wrong, and which Lisiewski claimed would ultimately take his life. A must-read for anyone interested in one of best known, and least understood, figures of modern occultism.
The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice
In this practical guide, Stavish details the spiritual lessons and rituals of Freemasonry as a step-by-step path of spiritual development and self-improvement for those within and without the Masonic Brotherhood. He explores the history, meaning, and symbols of Freemasonry – from its origins in the Temple of Solomon, through the Medieval craft guilds, and into the Renaissance. Stavish explains how the Craft promotes personal growth through the symbolic building of self and an inner Temple of Wisdom.
Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny
Egregores are autonomous psychic entities created by a collective group mind, sustained by belief, ritual, and sacrifice. Their existence relies on the devotion of groups ranging from a small coven to an entire nation. They’re also one of most important, yet least understood, concepts of Western occultism.
Presenting the first book devoted to the study of egregores, Stavish provides instructions on identifying egregores, freeing yourself from a parasitic and destructive collective entity, and, should the need arise, destroying an egregore. Stavish reveals how egregores form the foundation of nearly all human interactions and have infiltrated popular culture and media.
Used Books for Sale
IHS receives and purchases hundreds of books on esotericism, psychology, paranormal studies, history, art, philosophy, organizational development, self-help, religious studies, and more each year. They are carefully sorted with many retained for the institute’s library, some set aside others for donation, and the rest earmarked for sale. Money raised from these sales goes to support the institute.
